Method, apparatus and computer program product for providing a dynamic wake-up alert

ABSTRACT

A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for providing a dynamic wake-up alert. A user&#39;s sleep recovery need is determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, mental stress level, physical activity, the individual&#39;s sleep history record, and/or data relating to circadian rhythms, recommended sleep times, patterns and cycles. Real-time sleep data, such as that detected by a sleep data detection device, is monitored to determine a real-time gained recovery. Biological, physiological, and/or neurological data relating to the quality of sleep, and/or the amount of sleep obtained is used to calculate the real-time gained sleep recovery of the user and compare the gained recovery to the sleep recovery need. Once the sleep recovery need is satisfied, a dynamic wake-up alert is provided via a user interface.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. application Ser.No. 15/274,676, filed Sep. 23, 2016 and titled, “A METHOD, APPARATUS ANDCOMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR PROVIDING A DYNAMIC WAKE-UP ALERT,” and ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

An example embodiment of the present invention relates generally toanalyzing physical recovery, and more particularly, to a method,apparatus and computer program product for providing a dynamic recoveryalert.

BACKGROUND

Many people set alarms to be awoken from their sleep, such as on anightly basis before going to bed. Some use a repeated scheduled alarmto be sounded at a specified time every day or every weekday.Individuals may set their device alarms according to appointment timesor a work start time, for example, without any regard to the amount ofsleep that is recommended or needed for healthy recovery. In many cases,an individual is awoken from their sleep without having achieved theoptimal amount of sleep recommended for healthy well-being. In someinstances, setting an alarm based on a predefined schedule may causepeople to sleep longer than what is needed or recommended, thus wastingvaluable time that could be spent on other tasks, or detrimentallyimpacting their ability to sleep in the near future. However, it may bedifficult for humans in modern life to define or measure how much oneshould sleep to fully recover.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A method, apparatus, and computer program product are therefore providedfor providing a dynamic wake-up alert. In this regard, the alarm isvariable such that the user is awoken once the user's sleep recoveryneed is satisfied.

Many individuals may find it difficult to determine how much sleep isneeded to recover from mental stress, work, errands, daily activities,and exercise. It is also difficult for individuals to understand thequality of past sleep. Some people may forget the details and it isdifficult to put a number on personal sleep deprivation or quality at agiven time based on a period spanning the past several weeks.Furthermore, certain habits like drinking alcohol, eating a big meal,and exercising late in the day may interfere with the quality of thesleep and thereby minimize its recovery effect. Furthermore, recoverygained during sleep may vary from person to person and on differentnights.

Some example embodiments may determine a person's sleep recovery needbased on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, a mentalstress level, physical stress level, daytime recovery, the individual'ssleep history record, and/or data relating to circadian rhythms,autonomic nervous system activity, biological, physiological, and/orneurological data, recommended sleep times, patterns and cycles. Certainexample embodiments may therefore determine a personalized sleeprecovery need of a user according to any of the aforementioned factors.

During the sleep of the user, some example embodiments may monitor sleepdata relating to the user, such as that detected by a sleep datadetection device, or any other device and/or sensors, to determine areal-time gained recovery. For example, certain example embodiments mayutilize biological, physiological, and/or neurological data relating tothe quality of sleep, and/or the amount of sleep obtained, to calculatethe real-time actual sleep recovery of the user. The data may bemonitored on a repeated or continual basis, such that the real-timegained recovery is compared to the sleep recovery need of the user.

In some examples, the user may only be awoken once the sleep recoveryneed is satisfied according to the real-time gained recovery. In thisregard, some example embodiments provide a dynamic wake-up alert via auser interface.

A method is provided, including determining a sleep recovery need of auser. The method further includes, in response to a sleep eventindication, monitoring with a processor, sleep data relating to the userto calculate a real-time gained recovery. The method includes comparingthe real-time gained recovery to the determined sleep recovery need, andin response to determining that the real-time gained recovery satisfiesthe sleep recovery need, causing a wake-up alert to be provided via auser interface of a device.

In some examples, the sleep recovery need is determined based onuser-related data received prior to the sleep event. The user-relateddata received prior to the sleep event may include data relating to amental stress level of the user, and/or data relating to physicalactivities of the user. In some examples, the sleep recovery need isdetermined based on a sleep history record relating to the user. In someexamples, the detected sleep data is indicative of a quality of sleepand/or amount of sleep.

In some examples, the method further includes receiving a user inputindicative of a desired recovery, and adjusting the determined sleeprecovery need based on the desired recovery.

An apparatus is provided comprising at least one processor and at leastone memory including computer program code with the at least one memoryand the computer program code configured to, with the processor, causethe apparatus to at least determine a sleep recovery need of a user. Insome examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code arefurther configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to, inresponse to a sleep event indication, monitor sleep data relating to theuser to calculate a real-time gained recovery. The at least one memoryand the computer program code are further configured to cause theapparatus to compare the real-time gained recovery to the determinedsleep recovery need, and in response to determining that the real-timegained recovery satisfies the sleep recovery need, cause a wake-up alertto be provided via a user interface of a device.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer programcode may be further configured to receive a user input indicative of adesired recovery, and adjust the determined sleep recovery need based onthe desired recovery.

A computer program product is provided comprising at least onenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium havingcomputer-executable program code instructions stored therein with thecomputer-executable program code instructions comprising program codeinstructions to at least, determine a sleep recovery need of a user, andin response to a sleep event indication, monitoring sleep data relatingto the user to calculate a real-time gained recovery. In some examples,the computer-executable program code instructions further compriseprogram code instructions to compare the real-time gained recovery tothe determined sleep recovery need, and in response to determining thatthe real-time gained recovery satisfies the sleep recovery need, cause awake-up alert to be provided via a user interface of a device.

An apparatus is provided comprising means for determining a sleeprecovery need of a user, and means for, in response to a sleep eventindication, monitoring sleep data relating to the user to calculate areal-time gained recovery. The apparatus further includes means forcomparing the real-time gained recovery to the determined sleep recoveryneed. The apparatus further includes means for, in response todetermining that the real-time gained recovery satisfies the sleeprecovery need, causing a wake-up alert to be provided via a userinterface of a device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described certain example embodiments of the presentinvention in general terms, reference will hereinafter be made to theaccompanying drawings which are not necessarily drawn to scale, andwherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus that may be configured toimplement an example embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed in accordancewith an example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichsome, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments setforth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like referencenumerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the terms“data,” “content,” “information,” and similar terms may be usedinterchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, receivedand/or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit andscope of embodiments of the present invention.

Additionally, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to (a)hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analogcircuitry and/or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuits andcomputer program product(s) comprising software and/or firmwareinstructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that worktogether to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functionsdescribed herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, amicroprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requiresoftware or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware isnot physically present. This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to alluses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example,as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ also includes an implementationcomprising one or more processors and/or portion(s) thereof andaccompanying software and/or firmware. As another example, the term‘circuitry’ as used herein also includes, for example, a basebandintegrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for amobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellularnetwork device, other network device, field programmable gate array,and/or other computing device.

As defined herein, a “computer-readable storage medium,” which refers toa physical storage medium (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memorydevice), may be differentiated from a “computer-readable transmissionmedium,” which refers to an electromagnetic signal.

As described below, a method, apparatus and computer program product areprovided for causing a dynamic wake-up alert to be provided via a userinterface.

Referring to FIG. 1, apparatus 25 for causing a dynamic wake-up alert tobe provided may include or otherwise be in communication with aprocessor 20, communication interface 24, and memory device 26. Asdescribed below and as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 1, in someembodiments, the apparatus 25 may also optionally include a userinterface 22.

In some examples, apparatus 25 may be implemented as a server ordistributed system for causing a dynamic wake-up alert to be provided ona user interface, which may, in some examples, include a user interfaceof another device. In some examples, apparatus 25 need not necessarilybe embodied by a server, and may be embodied by a wide variety ofdevices including personal computers, work stations, or mobileterminals, such as laptop computers, tablet computers, smartphones,wearable devices or any combination of the aforementioned, and othertypes of voice and text communications systems. In some examples,apparatus 25 may be embodied by a user device configured to provide thewake-up alert (e.g., auditory alert, vibration, etc.) to a user.Additionally or alternatively, apparatus 25 may be embodied by a sleepdata detection device configured to detect, collect and/or monitor dataregarding a user's sleep patterns.

In some embodiments, the processor 20 (and/or co-processors or any otherprocessing circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with theprocessor 20) may be in communication with the memory device 26 via abus for passing information among components of the apparatus 25. Thememory device 26 may include, for example, one or more volatile and/ornon-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the memory device 26may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer readable storagemedium) comprising gates configured to store data (e.g., bits) that maybe retrievable by a machine (e.g., a computing device like the processor20). The memory device 26 may be configured to store information, data,content, applications, instructions, or the like for enabling theapparatus to carry out various functions in accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention. For example, the memory device 26could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor20. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device 26 could beconfigured to store instructions for execution by the processor 20. Insome embodiments, the memory device 26 may be configured to store sleephistory records, real-time or near real-time sleep data, data regardingphysical activity and/or mental stress, and/or other data relating to auser according to example embodiments provided herein.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 25 may be embodied as a chip or chipset. In other words, the apparatus 25 may comprise one or more physicalpackages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and/or wires on astructural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly mayprovide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation ofelectrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. Theapparatus 25 may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement anembodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single“system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset mayconstitute means for performing one or more operations for providing thefunctionalities described herein.

The processor 20 may be embodied in a number of different ways. Forexample, the processor 20 may be embodied as one or more of varioushardware processing means such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, acontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing element withor without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing circuitryincluding integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (applicationspecific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), amicrocontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purposecomputer chip, or the like. As such, in some embodiments, the processor20 may include one or more processing cores configured to performindependently. A multi-core processor may enable multiprocessing withina single physical package. Additionally or alternatively, the processor20 may include one or more processors configured in tandem via the busto enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining and/ormultithreading.

In an example embodiment, the processor 20 may be configured to executeinstructions stored in the memory device 26 or otherwise accessible tothe processor 20. Alternatively or additionally, the processor 20 may beconfigured to execute hard coded functionality. As such, whetherconfigured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof,the processor 20 may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied incircuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodimentof the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, forexample, when the processor 20 is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like,the processor 20 may be specifically configured hardware for conductingthe operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, whenthe processor 20 is embodied as an executor of software instructions,the instructions may specifically configure the processor 20 to performthe algorithms and/or operations described herein when the instructionsare executed. However, in some cases, the processor 20 may be aprocessor of a specific device (e.g., a mobile terminal or networkentity) configured to employ an embodiment of the present invention byfurther configuration of the processor 20 by instructions for performingthe algorithms and/or operations described herein. The processor 20 mayinclude, among other things, a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) andlogic gates configured to support operation of the processor 20.

Meanwhile, the communication interface 24 may be any means such as adevice or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination ofhardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit datafrom/to a network and/or any other device or module in communicationwith the apparatus 25. In this regard, the communication interface 24may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) andsupporting hardware and/or software for enabling communications with awireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, thecommunication interface 24 may include the circuitry for interactingwith the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s)or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s). In someenvironments, the communication interface 24 may alternatively or alsosupport wired communication. As such, for example, the communicationinterface 24 may include a communication modem and/or otherhardware/software for supporting communication via cable, digitalsubscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB) or other mechanisms.The communication interface 24 may be configured to facilitatecommunication between apparatus 25 and a user device, such as byenabling processor 20 to cause a wake-up alert to be provided via a userinterface, such as user interface 22.

In some embodiments, such as instances in which the apparatus 25 isembodied by a user device, the apparatus 25 may include a user interface22 that may, in turn, be in communication with the processor 20 toreceive an indication of a user input and/or to cause provision of anaudible, visual, mechanical or other output to the user. As such, theuser interface 22 may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, ajoystick, a display, a touch screen(s), touch areas, soft keys, amicrophone, a speaker, or other input/output mechanisms. Alternativelyor additionally, the processor 20 may comprise user interface circuitryconfigured to control at least some functions of one or more userinterface elements such as, for example, a speaker, ringer, microphone,display, and/or the like. The processor 20 and/or user interfacecircuitry comprising the processor 20 may be configured to control oneor more functions of one or more user interface elements throughcomputer program instructions (e.g., software and/or firmware) stored ona memory accessible to the processor 20 (e.g., memory device 26, and/orthe like). As described in further detail herein, the user interface 22may be configured for receiving information from a user regardingdesired sleep recovery and/or providing a wake-up alert to a user. Insome examples, user interface 22 may be embodied by a user device thatis remote from or external to apparatus 25.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of operations performed by apparatus 25 accordingto an example embodiment. As shown by operation 200, apparatus 25 mayinclude means, such as the processor 20, memory device 26, or the like,for determining a sleep recovery need of a user. The sleep recovery needmay include any data describing the sleep needs of a user, such as datadescribing optimal or ideal sleep quality and/or sleep amounts (e.g.,length and/or duration).

Sleep quality may be determined based on predefined guidelines as may bestored on memory device 26, for example. As an example, in an instancesleep data meets or satisfies a threshold of any predefined biological,physiological, and/or neurological measurement, such as those describedherein, apparatus 25 may attribute the sleep to a high quality sleep orlow quality sleep. In some examples, a sleep quality score may bedetermined according to any biological, physiological and/orneurological measurement. In some examples, the sleep recovery need maybe an overall target score or rating of sleep quality and/or amount,based on a set of guidelines and calculations indicating that relativelyhigher quality sleep may be weighted more greatly than relatively lowerquality sleep, and the duration of sleep attributed to respective sleepqualities is further considered. For example, a sleep recovery need mayinclude 6 hours of high quality sleep or 8 hours of medium qualitysleep. It will be appreciated that any classification or scoring ofquality may be used, and any reference to low, medium, and/or highquality is provided merely as an example.

The quality and/or amounts of sleep needed may be tailored for aparticular user as described herein to determine a sleep recovery needof the user. The sleep recovery need of a user, such as the recommendedsleep quality and/or amounts for the user, may be determined based onany of a variety of factors described in further detail hereinafter,including but not limited to, baseline sleep recommendations accordingto a user demographic information, user-related data received prior tothe sleep event, (e.g., data indicative of mental stress and/or physicalstress of the user), a sleep history record, and/or the like.

For example, apparatus 25, such as the processor 20, may determineand/or receive baseline sleep recommendations based on age, gender,health conditions, and/or any other information relating to the user.The baseline sleep recommendations may include, for example, a minimumamount of sleep, maximum amount of sleep, and/or a range of amount ofsleep per unit of time, such as a per day or per week basis. Thebaseline sleep recommendations may further include more detail datarelating to sleep cycles and the amount of time recommended in eachrespective cycle. The recommendations may be targeted based on any ofthe above mentioned information relating to the user as provided bystandard medical or sleep guidelines. For example, the baseline sleeprecommendations may be accessed on memory device 26.

Apparatus 25, such as the processor 20, may determine an individual orpersonalized sleep recovery need of a user by adjusting baseline sleeprecommendations according to user-related data received prior to a sleepevent, such as in the day prior to or a predefined number of daysleading up to the sleep event.

The user-related data received prior to the sleep event may include anyinformation relating to mental or physical activities of the user, andmay be collected by any number of devices or sensors, such as thoseattached or implanted to the user and/or in the vicinity of the user.For example, apparatus 25, such as the processor 20 and/or thecommunication interface 24, may receive data from a wearable device(e.g., step counter or other fitness tracking device) regarding thephysical activities of a user. In some examples, an accelerometer, suchas one implemented in a user device may provide data regarding thephysical activities of the user. In some examples, apparatus 25, such asthe processor 20 and/or the communication interface 24, may receive theuser-related data relating to physical activity and/or mental stressfrom any type of sensor or monitor, such as a heart rate monitor (e.g. aphotoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor and/or electrocardiography (ECG)sensors), brain activity monitor (e.g. electroencephalogram (EEG)),galvanic skin response detectors, other biological, physiological and/orneurological sensors, and/or the like. As another example, theuser-related data may be provided by the user via a user interface, suchas by logging activities or stress levels.

For example, apparatus 25, such as the processor 20 and/or thecommunication interface 24, may receive information indicating ordetermine that the user has participated in an exceptionally high levelof physical activity (e.g., based on a physical activity score, or othermeasurable indication of physical activity). In this regard, apparatus25, such as the processor 20, may adjust upwards the baselinerecommended sleep needs of the user to determine a sleep recovery needof the user. As another example, on days of little or no physicalactivity (e.g., low physical activity score), the baseline recommendedsleep may be decreased to determine a sleep recovery need of a user.

In some examples, apparatus 25, such as the processor 20, may determinea sleep recovery need of the user based on mental stress indicators. Forexample, a mental stress indicator may be provided by the user via auser interface. As another example, apparatus 25, such as the processor20, may access a calendar application of a user and determine a mentalstress level reflected in the schedule of the user. In some examples,sensors configured to detect biological, physiological and/orneurological data may be used to determine mental stress.

Apparatus 25, such as the processor 20, may therefore determine thesleep recovery need of the user by adjusting baseline sleeprecommendation according to an indicator (e.g., quantitative) ofphysical activity and/or mental stress. In some examples, the physicalactivities and/or mental stress levels may be determined cumulativelyover a period of time, such as over a week long span, or several weeks.

In some embodiments, apparatus 25, such as the processor 20 and/or thememory device 26, may determine the sleep recovery need of the userfurther based on a sleep history record of the user. The sleep historyrecord may be accessed on memory device 26, for example, and may includesleep data relating to the user for any predetermined amount of time.For example, the sleep history record may include sleep data detectedfrom the user going back one week, or several weeks. In some examples,accessing a sleep history record of the prior four weeks may bebeneficial. In this regard, the sleep recovery need of the user may bebased on recent cumulative sleep. The sleep history record may be basedon or may comprise offset information, such as data indicating theoffset or difference between respective sleep recovery needs and actualgained recovery from the past. In some examples, apparatus 25 mayreceive sleep data on an ongoing basis, and accumulate the sleep data inthe sleep history record of the user.

In some embodiments, the sleep history record may comprise aquantitative sleep deficit, such as a number of hours. In some examples,apparatus 25, such as with processor 20, may calculate a sleep historyscore indicative of a sleep debt (e.g., deficit) or sleep surplus. Thesleep history score may be included in the sleep history record. Thesleep recovery need of the user may therefore be determined based on atleast on the sleep history record. For example, the baseline sleeprecommendation may be adjusted according to the sleep history scoreand/or sleep history record to determine an individual's sleep recoveryneed.

In some examples, operation 200 may be modified to determine a physicalrecovery need of a user, which may be indicative of physical rest (whichmay or may not be sleep) needed to recover from physical activity.

In operation 202, apparatus 25 may include means, such as the processor20, user interface 22, communication interface 24, memory device 26, orthe like, for receiving a user input indicative of a desired recovery.For example, a user may configure the desired amounts of respectivesleep attributed to particular sleep quality or cycle. As anotherexample, a user may input a target percentage or ratio of the determinedsleep recovery need that the user desires to achieve. In this regard,when a user feels they need to be awoken earlier than is needed toachieve all of their daily tasks, the user may indicate that only 90%,for example, of the sleep recovery need is desired. As another example,when a user expects that subsequent nights will result in little sleep,the user may wish to obtain 110% of the sleep recovery need.

As shown in operation 212, apparatus 25 may include means, such as theprocessor 20, memory device 26, or the like, for adjusting thedetermined sleep recovery need based on the desired recovery. In thisregard, the sleep recovery need determined with respect to operation 200may be adjusted according to the user input of the desired recovery. Itwill be appreciated that operations 202 and 204 are optional, andaccording to an example embodiment, the sleep recovery need of the usermay not be adjusted based on user input, and instead may be calculatedaccording to operation 200.

Continuing to operation 206, apparatus 25 may include means, such as theprocessor 20, memory device 26, or the like, for in response to a sleepevent indication, monitoring sleep data relating to the user tocalculate a real-time gained recovery.

As another example, sleep may be detected by any other sleep datadetection device, sensor or system such as those configured to monitorsleep, such that the apparatus 25, such as the processor 20 and/or thecommunication interface 24, receives a sleep event indication. In someexamples, a user may manually indicate sleep onset, such as with a userinterface of a user device, prior to falling asleep or going to bed. Asanother example, a sleep data detection device may include a motiondetector, radar detection device, neurological sensors, electrical pulsesensor, any other sleep monitor device, vital sign monitoring device,and/or the like. For example, any such device that detects heart rate,respiration rates, neurological activity, muscle relaxation, periods ofrapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep may be considered as a sleepdata detection device. As another example, a sleep data detection devicemay include a user device equipped with an accelerometer, to determinewhen a user goes to sleep, and/or wakes based on movement and/or userbehavior.

The sleep data detection device may be further configured to determine aquality of detected sleep. For example, the data may indicate a scoredrating of the sleep quality, or may be classified as high or low qualityaccording to the detected data. For instance, a similar classificationor scoring method for determining sleep quality as indicated by baselineinformation and/or the sleep recovery need may be applied to actualsleep data. It will be appreciated that the sleep event indication maybe any data received by the apparatus 25 indicative of the user havingfallen asleep or gone to bed.

In an instance in which apparatus 25, such as the processor 20,determines the user is sleeping, the apparatus 25 may continually orrepeatedly monitor sleep data to calculate a real-time gained recovery.For example, apparatus 25, such as with processor 20, may process sleepdata on a repeated time interval, such as every thirty seconds. Thesleep data monitored by apparatus 25 may be detected by apparatus 25, orby any sleep data detection device. In this regard, apparatus 25, suchas the processor 20, may access sleep data stored to memory device 26.

The apparatus 25, such as the processor 20, may monitor and process thesleep data to determine a real-time gained recovery by the user. Forexample, apparatus 25, such as the processor 20, may determine andcontinually update the quality and/or amount of sleep. For example, theapparatus 25, such as the processor 20 and/or the memory device 26, mayaccumulate the total amount of predetermined types of sleep or sleepattributed to a specified quality or sleep cycle. For example, apparatus25, such as the processor 20, may track total minutes of sleep in REMand non-REM cycles to track a real-time gained recovery. In someembodiments, heart rate may be used to determine sleep quality. Theapparatus 25, such as the processor 20, may determine that high qualitysleep is achieved in times in which the heart rate is relatively low incomparison to a threshold or predefined heart rate, and/or apparatus 25,such as the processor 20, may determine that low quality sleep isachieved in times in which the heart rate is relatively high incomparison to a threshold or predefined heart rate. In some examples,the sleep quality may be determined based on heart rate variability(HRV). As another example, the real-time gained recovery may becalculated as an overall score, where deeper sleep or higher qualitysleep is weighted more greatly than lighter sleep or lower qualitysleep. As such, an overall real-time gained recovery score may becalculated.

In operation 208, apparatus 25 may include means, such as the processor20, user interface 22, or the like, for comparing the real-time gainedrecovery to the determined sleep recovery need. In this regard,apparatus 25, such as the processor 20, may repeatedly or continually,such as on a repeated time interval (e.g., every 30 seconds) compare thereal-time gained recovery to the determined sleep recovery need of theuser. It will be appreciated that the sleep recovery need of the usermay be considered the sleep recovery need determine in operation 200, orthe sleep recovery need as determine in operation 200 and as adjusted inoperation 204 based on the user input of operation 202.

In some examples, every time the real-time gained recovery iscalculated, recalculated, or adjusted to reflect recent data processedby apparatus 25, a comparison of the real-time gained recovery to thesleep recovery need may be performed.

To perform the comparison, apparatus 25, such as the processor 20, maycompare the accumulated amount of time of actual sleep attributed tocycles or sleep quality to an amount of time for the respective cycle orsleep quality as indicated by the sleep recovery need. In some examples,when the amount of time of sleep attributed to a particular sleep cycle(e.g., REM) or quality classification is reached, apparatus 25, such asthe processor 20, may determine the real-time gained recovery satisfiesthe sleep recovery need. As another example, in an instance the overallscore of the real-time gained recovery meets or exceeds an overalltarget score indicated by the sleep recovery need, apparatus 25, such asthe processor 20, may determine the sleep recovery need is met.

As shown by operation 210, apparatus 25 may include means, such as theprocessor 20, user interface 22, communication interface 24, memorydevice 26, or the like, for, in response to determining that thereal-time gained recovery satisfies the sleep recovery need, causing awake-up alert to be provided via a user interface of a device. Thewake-up alert may be any type of alarm, such as auditory, haptic (e.g.,vibration), visual, and/or any combination thereof. In some examples,the wake-up alert may provide a gradual alarm to gently wake the useronce the user is rested, according to the sleep recovery need of theuser. In some embodiments, apparatus 25, such as the processor 20 and/orthe user interface 22, may dynamically cause the wake-up alert to beprovided only when the sleep recovery need is satisfied. As such,apparatus 25 may include means, such as the processor 20, user interface22, communication interface 24, memory device 26, or the like, for, inresponse to determining that the real-time gained recovery does notsatisfy the sleep recovery need, preventing a wake-up alert from beingprovided.

As such, an example embodiment enables a user to obtain an optimalamount of sleep calculated according to their personalized sleeprecovery need and their actual real-time gained recovery. In thisregard, some example embodiments may prevent users from over sleeping,or sleeping beyond what is needed for optimal recovery. Individuals whootherwise sleep beyond their recovery need, such as those relying on apredetermined or scheduled alarm, may waste valuable time sleeping,while the extra sleep provides no health benefit, and in some examplesmay actually be detrimental to one's health or ability to sleep in thefuture. Certain example embodiments may therefore generate additionalproductive hours in the user's life. Further, an example embodiment mayprevent users from waking prematurely, such as based on a predeterminedor scheduled alarm, and thus enable users to achieve optimal recovery asdetermined based on personal needs and real-time gained recovery.

In some examples, as shown by operation 212, apparatus 25 may includemeans, such as the processor 20, communication interface 24, memorydevice 26, or the like, for updating a sleep history record. Forexample, apparatus 25, such as the processor 20 and/or the memory device26, may advantageously update the sleep history record of a user as thesleep data is detected and/or processed. As example embodiments are usedon an ongoing or continual basis by the user, for example, the sleeprecovery need of the user, as calculated by the apparatus 25, such asthe processor 20, may be affected by more recently captured sleep data.For example, several days in which a sleep recovery need is notsatisfied, may result in an increase in the sleep recovery need, suchthat a sleep debt is accumulated. In some examples, excessive restand/or sleep may be achieved, and the apparatus 25 may cause the sleeprecovery need to be decreased. Apparatus 25, such as the processor 20and/or the memory device 26, may therefore update the sleep historyrecord of the user, such as detected sleep data stored on memory device26.

An example embodiment may be advantageously configured by a user toobtain optimal sleep while still awaking in time for important tasks orobligations. As an example, such as in a scenario in which a user needsto awake by a certain time, the apparatus 25 may enable a defaultpredefined alarm to be set by the user. In some embodiments, the defaultalarm will only cause a wake-up alert to be provided via the userinterface if the default alarm time is reached, and apparatus 25 has notcaused a wake-up alert to be provided in response to determining thereal-time gained recovery satisfies the sleep recovery need. However, ifa wake-up alert is provided in response to determining the real-timegained recovery satisfies the sleep recovery need in advance of reachingthe default alarm time, the default alarm may be automatically canceledin some embodiments (or, in other embodiments, the default alarm mayremain active as a precaution in case the user falls back to sleepfollowing the wake-up alert).

An example embodiment may be used to prevent over-napping and/or toensure optimal recovery during napping. Some example embodiments maytherefore be adopted for use in daytime napping. A sleep recovery needof a user may therefore be determined for a nap, and the real-time gainrecovery may be calculated during the nap. In some examples, apparatus25 may limit a nap to a predetermined time limit, such as 30 minutesafter falling asleep or after the sleep event indication is received,for example, to ensure the user does not over nap and/or disruptnighttime sleep and/or circadian rhythm.

As such, an example embodiment allows a user to strike a balance betweenobtaining an optimal sleep recovery and waking in time to meet theuser's obligations and tasks. As an example, the user may configure adevice such that on weekends, apparatus 25 only causes the dynamicwake-up alert to be provided once the sleep recovery need is satisfied,but on weekdays or workdays, the default alarm is triggered if the timeis reached prior to sleep recovery need satisfaction, so that the userdoes not oversleep for work or other commitments. During times ofillness or other physical needs, a user may configure a device such thatapparatus 25 only causes the dynamic wake-up alert to be provided oncethe sleep recovery need is satisfied. As another example, some exampleembodiments may help to ensure that commercial vehicle drivers,emergency responders, and/or the like achieve sufficient sleep recoverybefore returning to work. This example embodiment therefore promoteshealthy sleep habits and well-being, as well as ensuring the safety ofothers.

In an example embodiment, apparatus 25 and/or any of the operationsdescribed herein, such as operation 200, may be utilized to monitorphysical, for example, recovery after exercise. In this regard, anexample embodiment may provide an alert or notification when a person isrecovered (e.g., 100% recovered, or a portion thereof) and ready for anew physical exercise. The alert or notice may therefore also beprovided when the person is awake. Further, in some use cases, it not bebased on sleep data and/or a sleep recovery need, but rather apersonalized physical recovery need indicating the user's recovery needfrom physical activity.

As described above, FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of an apparatus 25,method, and computer program product according to example embodiments ofthe invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart,and combinations of blocks in the flowchart, may be implemented byvarious means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and/orother devices associated with execution of software including one ormore computer program instructions. For example, one or more of theprocedures described above may be embodied by computer programinstructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions whichembody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory device26 of an apparatus 25 employing an embodiment of the present inventionand executed by a processor 20 of the apparatus 25. As will beappreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto acomputer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce amachine, such that the resulting computer or other programmableapparatus implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that may direct a computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that theinstructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an articleof manufacture, the execution of which implements the function specifiedin the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also beloaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a seriesof operations to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified inthe flowchart blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the flowchart support combinations of means forperforming the specified functions and combinations of operations forperforming the specified functions for performing the specifiedfunctions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of theflowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart, may beimplemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems whichperform the specified functions, or combinations of special purposehardware and computer instructions.

In some embodiments, certain ones of the operations above may bemodified or further amplified. Furthermore, in some embodiments,additional optional operations may be included. Modifications,additions, or amplifications to the operations above may be performed inany order and in any combination.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain examplecombinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated thatdifferent combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided byalternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appendedclaims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elementsand/or functions than those explicitly described above are alsocontemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. An apparatus comprising at least one processorand at least one memory including computer program code, the at leastone memory and the computer program code configured to, with theprocessor, cause the apparatus to at least: determine a recovery need ofa user; receive a desired recovery that the user desires to achieve, thedesired recovery being a ratio of the determined recovery need; adjustthe determined recovery need of the user based on the desired recovery;monitor recovery relating to the user to calculate a gained recovery;and in response to a determining that the gained recovery satisfies theadjusted recovery need, cause an alert to be provided to the user. 2.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recovery need isdetermined based on a mental stress level of the user.
 3. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the recovery need is determined based onphysical activities of the user.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the recovery need is determined based on a sleep history recordrelating to the user.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein therecovery is indicative of a quality of sleep.
 6. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the recovery is indicative of an amount of sleep. 7.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recovery is indicativeof physical rest.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein therecovery need is a sleep recovery need.
 9. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the recovery need is a physical recovery need.
 10. Amethod comprising: determining a recovery need of a user; receiving adesired recovery that the user desires to achieve, the desired recoverybeing a ratio of the determined recovery need; adjusting the determinedrecovery need of the user based on the desired recovery; monitoring,recovery relating to the user to calculate a gained recovery; and inresponse to determining that the gained recovery satisfies the adjustedrecovery need, causing an alert to be provided to the user.
 11. Themethod according to claim 10, wherein the recovery need is determinedbased on a mental stress level of the user.
 12. The method according toclaim 10, wherein the recovery need is determined based on physicalactivities of the user.
 13. The method according to claim 10, whereinthe recovery need is determined based on a sleep history record relatingto the user.
 14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the recoveryis indicative of a quality of sleep.
 15. The method according to claim10, wherein the recovery is indicative of an amount of sleep.
 16. Themethod according to claim 10, wherein the recovery is indicative ofphysical rest.
 17. The method according to claim 10, wherein therecovery need is a sleep recovery need.
 18. The method according toclaim 10, wherein the recovery need is a physical recovery need.
 19. Acomputer program product comprising at least one non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program codeinstructions stored therein, the computer-executable program codeinstructions comprising program code instructions to at least: determinea recovery need of a user; receive a desired recovery that the userdesires to achieve, the desired recovery being a ratio of the determinedrecovery need; adjust the determined recovery need of the user based onthe desired recovery; monitor recovery relating to the user to calculatea gained recovery; and in response to a determining that the gainedrecovery satisfies the adjusted recovery need, cause an alert to beprovided to the user.